Martha Cooper

Martha Cooper is a renowned American photojournalist and documentary photographer best known for capturing the vibrant world of street art and graffiti.

While working as a photographer at the New York Post, a daily newspaper in lower Manhattan, she became captivated by New York-style graffiti. As she scouted the city for newsworthy shots, she discovered vacant lots and abandoned buildings serving as playgrounds for children. It was through these young explorers that she was introduced to the vibrant graffiti scene.

Cooper gained prominence with her groundbreaking book, “Subway Art,” co-authored with Henry Chalfant. This seminal work documented the burgeoning graffiti scene in New York City, offering an inside look at the artists and their creations on the city’s subway trains. It is often referred to as the “bible of street art” by graffiti artists.

Martha has since published many photojournals that have showcased her fascination with the street art scene. These include Hip Hop Files (Photographs taken 1979-1984), Tokyo Tattoo (1970), Street Play (2005), New York State of Mind (2007) and Tag Town (2007).

Cooper’s photography is celebrated for its ability to authentically capture the energy and creativity of urban youth culture. Outstanding examples of this are Little Crazy Legs, taken during the shoot for Wild Style at Riverside Park, and Girls Dancing to Disco Music From a Bar Against Graffiti Wall in Lower East Side, NYC.

Her images have played a pivotal role in legitimizing graffiti as a form of contemporary art and have been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. With a career spanning several decades, Martha Cooper remains a significant and influential figure in the world of street art and urban photography.